Very few would have any criticism of the side that Enzo Maresca named for Chelsea’s most recent Premier League win against Aston Villa.
There were a number of surprises, with the talk before the game being about which of the midfielders he would start at Stamford Bridge.
In the end, Maresca elected to name all three of Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo in his starting side. The former found the net for the second consecutive league game.
Caicedo has been arguably the best midfielder in the top flight this season, however he found himself starting at right-back against Villa.
Malo Gusto of Chelsea arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Aston Villa FC at Stamford Bridge on December...
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Malo Gusto should start for Chelsea vs Southampton
This was partly due to what had somewhat been an injury crisis in the right-back position, with Reece James and Malo Gusto struggling of late.
However, the Frenchman was back on the pitch in the latter stages of Sunday, and looks as if he is back to full fitness.
If this is the case, Maresca should be looking to recall Gusto to his starting side for this week’s fixture against Southampton.
Gusto’s role in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea system explained
Gusto has been described as ‘outstanding’ by Jason Cundy this season, and he has shown improvements every week in his new role in the Chelsea side under the current manager.
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Rather than playing as a recognised full-back like he did under Mauricio Pochettino, Gusto has been asked to come into midfield and offer another option inside in order to get an overload of players in those important area.
He has found himself in attacking areas far more often too. He has registered 13 shots so far this season, only two less than the total he managed in the Premier League last season.
With James set for another prolonged period on the sidelines, there is going to be an expectation that Gusto features a lot again in the coming fixtures, and this run should begin tomorrow night against the Saints.
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